ICT Policies

The internet, email, mobile technologies and online resources have become an important part of learning and life. We want all students to be safe and responsible when using any IT. It is essential that students are aware of online risk, know how to stay safe and know where to go to report  problems and access support. 

During the school day, students predominantly use the school network  to access the internet, which may include sending and receiving e-mails. This access is usually (but not always) supervised by a member of staff. Before being allowed to use the school network, both students and  parents must sign and return the relevant  section of the enclosed signature form as evidence of approval and agreement of the school’s expectations with regard to acceptable use of the network. This document will be kept on record at the school. Any concerns or explanation can be discussed with the e-safety co-ordinator.  

This agreement covers devices provided by the school (PCs, laptops, whiteboards, voting systems, digital video equipment, etc) as well as technologies owned by students, but brought on to school premises (laptops in the sixth form only), mobile phones or other mobile devices). 

The school uses an internet connection which is filtered by Hertfordshire County Council. In addition to this, the school utilises RM SafetyNet software to filter content and monitor users on the Local Area Network. The internet is a valuable resource which is  constantly evolving. Therefore, minimising the risk of exposure to inappropriate material is only one approach the school employs in  its aim to ensure e-safety. Students are also  educated through lessons and assemblies  as to the risks relating to content, contact and conduct. Students are informed that  inappropriate use of the school network will  result in sanctions being applied. 

In particular, should the network (or any other telecommunication devices) be used to facilitate cyber-bullying, the school will consider involving the police as well as  applying sanctions.

Please click the button below to view the Online Safety Acceptable Use Agreement.

• The same high standards of behaviour expected of students at all times when they are on site apply to the use of ICT. To this extent the School Code and Behaviour and Discipline Policy apply. 

• Students may only use ICT systems in school for school purposes.

• Students may only log on to the school network and Learning Platform using their own username and password. Students must not disclose their password to others and should change their password regularly. 

•  All ICT communication with students, staff and others is expected to be responsible and sensible

• Students are responsible for their behaviour on the internet. This includes the resources they access and the language they use. Students will not deliberately browse, download, upload or forward material which could be considered offensive or illegal. Should any such material be accidentally accessed, the matter will be immediately reported to a member of staff. 

• Students will ensure that their online activity, both in school and outside school, will not cause distress to other members of the school community, or bring the school into disrepute. Students will support the school approach to online safety and not deliberately upload or add any images, video, sounds or text that could upset any member of the school community. 

•  Students must not attempt to bypass the internet filtering system. They should be aware that their use of the internet and related technologies can be monitored and logged. 

• Students will not reveal personal details such as name, phone number or address to any other person via internet technologies.

• Students will only use their school email  address on school technologies. The use of Hotmail, BTInternet, AOL or any other internet based webmail service will not be permitted. 

•  Images of students and/or staff will only be taken, stored and used for school purposes in line with school policy. Such images are not to be distributed outside the school network without the permission of the Headteacher. 

• Students should respect the ownership of others’ work at all times. Students are reminded of examination board rules with regard to plagiarism and that whenever the school suspects plagiarism it will report the matter to the examination board. 

•  Students are reminded that files held on the school network are not private and may be accessed and reviewed by staff.

•  Students are not allowed to access files which belong to other members of the school community.

•  Students must have staff permission to download any files from the internet on to their network area.

• Students may not download or install software on school technologies

• Students should report to a member of staff, or the eSafety Co-ordinator, any occurrence of access to illegal, obscene or other inappropriate material that they have witnessed or have cause to believe is available in school. 

Outside school, parents have the same responsibility for setting and conveying standards that their children should follow when using communication devices such as computers and mobile phones. The school would recommend that parents consider the school’s expectations when providing guidance to their children. In particular, the school would recommend that computers, laptops and tablets are always situated in family rooms. 

For information about how we use the data we are collecting as your child joins the school and in the future, please take a few minutes to read our privacy notice which is available in the footer of our school website: https://www.stclementdanes.org.uk/11/privacy-notice